Housing shortage to be tackled as 2 new proposals could provide more than 400 homes

LIVERPOOL City Council is set to take a major step towards addressing housing shortages and enhancing the supply of high quality homes across the City.
 
At its meeting on:- Tuesday, 24 February 2026, Cabinet will consider 2 significant proposals that together could provide more than 400 homes.
 
The 1st is a comprehensive programme releasing small Council owned plots for housing development, while the second proposal will bring 52 long term vacant homes back into use through transfer to a qualified housing provider capable of delivering full refurbishment.
 
An extensive review of Council owned land has identified a series of small, vacant or derelict sites across multiple wards that together have the potential to deliver up to:- 400 affordable homes over the next:- 2 to 3 years, subject to planning.

Cllr Hetty Wood, Cabinet Member for Housing, said:- "This programme represents a major step forward in delivering the high‑quality homes our City needs. By bringing long‑neglected properties back into use and unlocking the potential of smaller sites across our neighbourhoods, we are not only increasing housing supply but strengthening communities. Every home we create or restore is another family with the security, dignity and stability they deserve, and I'm proud that Liverpool is taking bold, practical action to meet that need."
 
The Small Sites plan proposes that the homes will support a wide range of local needs, including:- those of care leavers, residents requiring temporary accommodation, and adults with support needs. Sites recently regained by the Council, such as:- Ducie Street, Jermyn Street and Rosebery Steet in the Liverpool 8 area will be included to accelerate regeneration and reduce historic neglect.
 
The Council has begun early engagement with community members to identify the most effective methods for local conversations and consultation. Broader engagement will begin over the coming weeks. The outcomes of this engagement will help shape future development plans for this area.  
 
Cabinet will also consider proposals to bring 52 long term empty properties back into use, which have been empty for several years and require significant investment to make them habitable.
 
The empty homes are located across the City in areas where vacancy levels have historically been highest, including:- Arundel, Dingle, Edge Hill, Everton North, Everton West, Kensington & Fairfield, Princes Park, Toxteth and Yew tree wards.
 
Following a public marketing exercise and a detailed assessment process, the Council's Cabinet is set to approve the sale of the properties to the preferred bidder subject to strict conditions.
 
The conditions include:- the properties being used for people on the Council's housing list and prevention of them being used as a:- House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), student housing, or short term lets.
 
15 of the houses will be for people on the Council's housing list who need short‑term accommodation, such as:- households experiencing homelessness or urgent need. The rest will be brought back into use for family housing, which will be a mix of owner occupation and private rent
 
The Council aims to secure new investment to refurbish and modernise these empty properties and ensure the delivery of good quality homes that contribute positively to our neighbourhoods.
 
In addition, the plan will see a reduction in ongoing costs to the Council associated with security, maintenance, and deteriorating condition, while also improving the appearance and safety of local neighbourhoods.

Cllr Nick Small, Member for Growth and Economy, said:- "These properties have stood empty for far too long. Bringing them back into use is vital for our communities and for meeting the growing demand for housing. This approach ensures that responsible organisations can invest in these homes, creating safe, high quality accommodation for families while improving the wider neighbourhoods."
 
The proposal will be subject to building control sign-off and regulatory requirements.